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Beyond Australia's wildest dreams could they have believed they'd find themselves leading two-nil in this historic rivalry following just only six days of play.

The hosts were put under the pump by the tourists in the first Test in Perth, before executing an incredible turnaround.

This propelled them on a wave of confidence going into the second Test, where they gave England a masterclass in how to play Test cricket, particularly day-night Test cricket.

A Critical Juncture

This series is not dead, but it's not far from it. If England don't win the Adelaide Test, it will get embarrassing.

I got an intimate view of England's approach throughout the 2023 Ashes on English soil. Despite all the talk about this tour being their chance to finally win a victory down under, there was considerable scepticism in this country about the way England play.

Was the English batting lineup be appropriate for the pitches in Australia? Would they play big shots and find ways to get out? Might they collapse when pressure mounted of the big moments?

At present, every one of the Australians who expressed doubts regarding England are seeing their views right.

Attitude and Accountability

There exists much I admire about England's attitude. I love it when sportspeople compete fearlessly, as this enables them to extend the boundaries of potential.

But I don't like the notion that pressure or expectation should be eliminated. Elite performers excel when challenged, and top-tier teams ensure members are accountable.

"Indeed, there existed the coaches like Bob Simpson and Buchanan, but it was the captain and senior players who invariably managed the dressing room."

Even when a young player, I believed I had permission to have my say. Everyone took ownership for the squad's performance.

Then, if a player deviated from the standard, they were held accountable by the other players. If someone made an error on more than one occasion - an uncommon occurrence frequently - they were told.

A Winning Formula

Our team contained some huge personalities - none bigger than the legendary Shane Warne - yet we collectively believed that our actions served the team and our comrades. Opener Matthew Hayden often stated we united due to the affection we shared, so extensive was the amount of time we spent together.

That sense of duty, obligation and adaptability all came together as we walked on to the field as a team.

Certainly, all of these things prove simpler when a team is winning, a scenario England are currently not experiencing right now.

A Culture in Question

My worry for England stemmed from the philosophy of a rigid style yielded a culture deficient in accountability.

It was almost that England had concluded pitches must conform to them, rather than England adapting their game to suit the conditions.

Ultimately, in the aftermath of the loss in Brisbane, it appears the penny has dropped.

Captain Ben Stokes and coach Brendon McCullum acknowledged there are issues, and they need take action about it.

I have no problems with what the English leadership said in public after the Brisbane Test. If Stokes and McCullum have been strong in the media, one can be sure they have been even stronger in private meetings.

A New Version?

Will we now see an evolved form of their aggressive brand? As I mentioned, I like the aspect of competing fearlessly. Provided England can add the elements of embracing pressure and accountability, then they might still be on a viable formula.

For all that England have been criticised, Australia deserve significant credit of credit.

If England had been told they would play an Australian side lacking Pat Cummins, Hazlewood and Lyon, they would have been rubbing their hands with glee.

And yet, Australia pulled off victory at the Gabba with each of their other players standing up.

Key Performers for Australia

Mitchell Starc has proven absolutely outstanding, supported by Neser, Boland and Brendan Doggett.

Wicketkeeper Alex Carey delivered a flawless exhibition with the gloves, possibly the best wicketkeeping performance I have witnessed - and I played with Ian Healy and Adam Gilchrist.

Maybe the most significant revelation from an Australian perspective has been the change in the batting order.

Prior to the contest, when it appeared there was considerable discussion regarding Australia's lineup, I said there was essentially just one question about one area - Usman Khawaja's opening partner.

That discussion has been settled, simply not in the manner anyone predicted.

The New Opening Pair

From the moment Batsman Travis Head volunteered to open when Khawaja got hurt during the Perth Test, Australia has appeared transformed. Now, there seems there is a chance for Travis Head and Jake Weatherald to cement themselves as the opening pair.

Khawaja could face difficulty to regain his place, although Australia coach Andrew McDonald has suggested he might feature in the middle order.

Absences and the Next Challenge

Injuries will result in English speedster Mark Wood and Australian seamer Josh Hazlewood will miss the Adelaide Test and the remainder of the series.

This represents an unfortunate situation for both men. I understand the immense effort it is to bowl fast, the effort involved in coming back from setbacks, and how eager both players were to play a full part in this series. They are surely devastated.

Adelaide will provide a good pitch, offering something for batsmen and bowlers alike. Australia will undoubtedly reinstate spinner Lyon and it seems Cummins will be back to lead.

Closing Thoughts

Australia recalls how England came from 2-0 down to level the previous series. They are aware England poses a threat.

This time, they hold England by the throat and should not let up just because key players are coming back. They must avoid becoming overconfident.

An Australia team must always believe it is capable of winning each match it contests, so for that reason this team ought to be aiming about winning 5-0.

England understands they have no choice to reverse their fortunes in Adelaide. If they don't, could indeed lead to a 5-0 series defeat.